Nashville is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, including the iconic honky-tonks on Broadway. But if you’re looking for more than just a bar crawl, there are plenty of fun activities in Nashville for adults. With over 100 years of history, Music City is built on entertainment and experiences including legendary sites, world-class dining, and live shows ready to be explored.

MUSIC & CULTURE

Nashville is a city rooted in country music history, but it doesn’t stop there. Check out these cultural experiences you can only find in Music City.

RYMAN AUDITORIUM 

Built in 1892, the Mother Church of Country Music stands today as a gem of Nashville history. It played a significant role in the Civil Rights movement in Nashville in the 1960s and has hosted countless GRAMMY-award winning artists, speakers, comedians, and even presidents on its legendary stage. At night, experience a Ryman concert; with acts spanning genres from country to rock to R&B, plus world-class acoustics, it’s an experience unlike any other. During the day, tour the Ryman and learn about its history and significance in Nashville’s music scene.

THE GRAND OLE OPRY

The longest-running radio broadcast show in history is celebrating over 100 years as the home of country music with a live variety show of award-winning artists every week. Check out the lineup to see who’s playing the Opry next to find a night that piques your interest and experience its legendary history.

The Parthenon

The Parthenon is a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek monument. Constructed in 1897 for the World’s Fair, it now stands as a museum in Centennial Park and is a must-see as one of the best outdoor activities in Nashville.

The Frist Art Museum

The Frist Art Museum is perfect for a cozy indoor activity on a rainy day, presenting fine visual art displays from local and international artists. You can also create your own artwork in the Martin ArtQuest Gallery.

 

FOOD

Want to know where to eat in Nashville? Here’s a few of our tastiest picks including Nashville staples and the best of the best.

Fifth and Broadway

Spanning an entire city block, this vibrant indoor-outdoor complex in downtown Nashville features shopping, dining, and entertainment located directly across from the Ryman Auditorium. It boasts plenty of good eats including Assembly Food Hall featuring a variety of over 30 local eateries. When you visit Fifth and Broadway, you’re supporting local Nashville businesses and getting the best dining experience downtown has to offer.

Stops on The MICHELIN Guide 

Many Nashville restaurants are recognized by the Michelin Guide with 21 locations named in the first ever Michelin Guide American South including The Catbird Seat and Redheaded Stranger.

BBQ

The BBQ scene in Nashville is as vibrant as its music scene, boasting spots like Martin’s Bar-B-Que known for its laid-back atmosphere and the original location of Edley's Bar-B-Que both of which use fresh locally sourced meats.

Hot Chicken

The most famous original dish in Nashville is hot chicken coated with a thick layer of cayenne and spices before fried crispy. The most historic location to taste hot chicken is Prince's Hot Chicken founded in 1945 with a heated origin story involving a vengeful lover who understood that chicken is best served hot!

 

SPORTS

When in Nashville, catch a game. With several professional sports teams, there’s plenty to cheer for.

Tennessee Titans

Titan Up! Cheer on Nashville’s professional NFL football team at Nissan Stadium—a short walk from Broadway just over the Cumberland river.

Nashville Predators

You can catch a home hockey game for Nashville’s NHL team, the Predators at Bridgestone Arena with a passionate and dedicated fanbase and competitive atmosphere.

Nashville SC

Nashville SC is the city’s professional soccer team, also plays at Nissan Stadium and hosted the largest soccer crowd in Tennessee history during its first match in 2020.

Nashville Sounds

On a nice night, enjoy a Minor League Baseball game at First Horizon Park with the Nashville Sounds.

 

NATURE & OUTDOORS

Nashville’s pleasant weather and hilly terrain make it an ideal location for outdoor activities like biking, hiking, and water sports. These excursions are open for all interests and skill levels.

Warner Parks

Located on the city’s southwest side, these 3,000+ acres of forest and field are just 9 miles from downtown and feature plenty of trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Radnor Lake State Park

Take in the beauty of its six hiking trails, catch a glimpse of its unique wildlife, and engage with the educational environmental programs the park offers.

Cheekwood

Featuring botanical gardens and a historic estate, walk through trails and horticultural displays before exploring the Cheek Mansion, which showcases the lifestyle of one of Nashville’s earliest families.

 

Sign Up for Alerts

Fun activities happen in Nashville every single day. Sign up for email alerts from Ryman Auditorium to stay in the know whenever new shows and events are added to the calendar. Happy exploring!